Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola)

Mola Mola, the heaviest bony fish in the world, appears in warm and temperate zones of all oceans in depth range 30-480m. Time to time it can be observed near the surface where it comes for seeking cleaner fishes. The species eats fishes, mollusks, zooplankton, jellyfish, crustaceans and brittle stars. It grows up till 4m, weight 2t. It has very unusual shape, resembles a fish head without a tail, its main body is flattened, it is as tall as long. The scaleless body is covered with extremely thick, elastic skin. The fish is usually very shy, it can be found on slopes adjacent to deep water.

Molas are generally not used as food fish, but some people consider it as a delicacy both fresh and broiled. Some parts of the fish are used in Chinese medicine. Molas may contain the same toxin as puffers and porcupine fish.

One of the few places in the world where Molas can be observed in July/August is small island next to Bali, Indonesia – Nusa Penida, Crystal Bay.